Sponsors, Eguavoen’s influence will help develop football in Edo, says Shaibu

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki (middle) presenting the Edo State League trophy to the captain of Ine Stars FC, who won the title by beating Royal Stars 1-0 at the Ogbe Stadium, Benin City on Sunday. Applauding him is the Chairman of Edo FA, Frank Ilaboya (left).<br />Super Eagles former star, Mutiu Adepoju is one of the motivators at the Cowbell Academy Football Summer Camp.

Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu believes sponsors of the state’s league and the influence of former Super Eagles’ captain, Augustine Eguavoen will help in the development of the game as championed by the Football Association, led by Frank Ilaboya.

Commending the sponsors of this year’s state league, who donated jerseys, medals and trophies to the Edo FA, Shaibu said: “I am overwhelmed with this kind gesture and say big thank you to them. Football is big business all over the world and we need private investments to keep it so as the government alone cannot do it.

“I have directed that letters of appreciation be sent to these company as a show of our deep appreciation to them. I also want to say kudos to the Edo State FA for a job well done.”

Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, who led the presentation of the items to the teams, tasked the clubs to reciprocate the gesture by doing well in the tournament.

“I congratulate you all for this and hope you will make the sponsors proud by doing well in the league,” he added. In his own remarks, the Managing Director of Big Joe Ventures, Sunny Osayele said his gesture was a show of support for the current leadership of football, who has brought live and activities to the state.

“Our contribution is to support the good job the current board is doing, Frank Ilaboya has brought vibrancy to football here and our support is a show of appreciation,” he said.

The Managing Director of Wesley Hotel, Wesley Asoro and other donors also commended the FA .